I’m always looking for fun things to do with the kids. Especially around the holidays. One thing we do every year is make gingerbread houses. I thought I would share how we made our gingerbread houses this year- the easy way.

I came across these premade gingerbread houses at Target the other day for 9$! FYI I’ve also seen the premade gingerbread houses at whole foods and Trader Joe’s. We usually buy the kits and put them together ourselves. However, it’s always a disaster. They don’t stay together and it’s always so hard for the kids to understand that they have to wait before they can decorate it. But with these premade ones everything is ready to go!

From toddlers to seniors, everyone can enjoy this juicy, cooling treat. At just one year of age, Marlow’s favorite snack is chunks of watermelon. I love watermelon juice, and we all enjoy watermelon infused water. To celebrate the end of watermelon season, I thought I’d share some of my family’s favorite watermelon treats and recipes!

Here are a few fun facts! Watermelon is:
– extremely hydrating
– full of anti-inflammatories and antioxidants
– a great source for potassium, vitamins A, B, and C!

First, you need to know how to find a good watermelon. I know many old-timers thump them, but that doesn’t tell me anything. I like this recommendation from the Georgia Watermelon Association. You know it’s sweet and ripe if the field spot (yellow spot on the bottom) is creamy yellow. If it’s white or has no spot at all, then it’s not ripe yet.

Once I have that perfectly ripe melon, I cut it into chunks of about one inch square. I then use about half the chunks for snacking and the other half split between two of my favorite recipes that you’ll find below!

While the kids snack on the cut watermelon, I make Watermelon Water. It’s super easy! Add watermelon pieces, cucumber slices, and mint leaves to water! Chill and enjoy. Voila!